Each court was given an entire part of the estate for themselves. Now that she was amongst friends, (Y/n) could freely marvel in the splendor of the place.
"Everywhere my eyes lay on is like a beautiful painting!" she giggled. "And to think this will be our home for the next month! What a gift!"
"Don't get too excited now." Gwendolyn said, as calm as ever. "We must stay alert, remember why we're here."
"Of course, of course. But one must be able to have fun, lest they crumble under the pressure. I'm gonna go see my room!"
"Where's Catherine?" Arnold looked around.
"On a stroll around the premises with her darling fiancé~."
"But we already saw everything." he shrugged, frowning in his confusion.
"Oh young Arnold," she shook her head. "you know nothing of love."
"Wha- And all of your knowledge on the subject comes from books and plays!" he pointed at her.
She just laughed and left to see her room. She laid on her king size bed and didn't want to get up.

Lady (Y/n) felt a lot less enthusiastic at the banquet later that evening. After a delicious dinner, the guests were moved to another venue to have a drink and simply talk to one another, with beautiful music in the background. Each of her friends were partaking in their own conversations, some with acquaintances, some with people of a similar status as them. But she was the only noble of her caliber, therefore no one went to her, and she knew better than to force herself into a conversation. She sighed through her nose, embarrassed about being on her own, and sad that she couldn't contribute to her cause. But she trusted her council, and since no one was looking at her, that meant she could freely admire the beautiful venue. The paintings on the high ceiling, the chandeliers lit up with so many candles, the carvings on the walls and pillars, even the floorboards had pretty designs into them as if they grew from the inside the trees themselves. She thought the architects must've used magic to achieve such a thing.

Suddenly she bumped into someone. The two parties yelped in surprise and faced each-other. They must've both been absent-minded at the same time. There stood a tall handsome man with a big stature and red hair, well put together if not panicked in this moment. Based on his outfit, decorated with paper flowers, he was from the Kingdom of Diamonds. However, she couldn't put a name on his face, nor could she tell his status. Somewhere between her and Arnold for sure... Now she regretted not including pictures in her documents.
"M-Miss I, I am terribly sorry!" he spoke frantically, with a southern accent.
"I-It's alright." she waved her hands.
"Please," he took one flower from his decorated suit and gave it to her. "accept this so that I may atone for my terrible behavior! And do not fret, I shall not take any more of your precious time. Adieu my fair lady!" he bowed before rushing away.
She stood there, astonished. That was her first ever interaction with another person outside of her court.

"What an odd man...but very well mannered." she whispered before looking at herself. "Now what should I do with this?"
'I want to put it on, it's so pretty. But I know people will talk if I do.'
"Ah, I know." she took out a handkerchief and gently placed the flower on it before folding it in half. "There."
She carefully put it in her pocket, then noticed someone was staring at her. It was none other than the King of Diamonds. Of all people! And he was frowning! Her heart dropped and she curtsied. When she looked back up, he had turned away, back to a conversation he was having prior to this. She sighed, a bit relieved but anxious that she's made a poor impression on him for talking to someone of his court. Maybe he though she bumped into him on purpose. Her mind began racing, not knowing that frowning was the king's default expression.

"Ah, Lady (L/n)."
She turned around and saw Arnold walking up to her. It would seem he had left a group of nobles from a neighboring land, as they were still looking at him. The young marquis was staring into her eyes, his were slightly bigger than usual.
'Ooo boy, I know that look.'
"My Lord." she curtsied.
"I believe you've haven't met the Lords of Klondike yet." he offered her his arm. "Shall we?"
"You are too kind. I shall be honored." she took it and the two of them walked away.
She glanced back at the group of nobles, they were laughing. She felt a twist in her chest.

"One more minute and I would've punched one of them." Arnold spoke under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear.
"Was it that bad?" she spoke in a similar volume.
"Never leave me alone with these fools again."
"At least people are talking to you. I feel like I'm one with the walls here."
"Well then please, let's trade places at once."
She couldn't help but laugh out loud, which made a few people look. One of these people being the King of Hearts. He looked at her from across the room, her smile peaking through the crowd.
'Her again...'

"(Y/n), please..." Arnold whispered, glancing around.
"I apologize, truly." she smiled with an apologetic nod. "But you've attended the Shuffling before, haven't you? Surely you must be accustomed to its social circles."
He took a moment to get used to her noble babble. She changed her way of speaking after getting some attention on the two of them. However he would've much preferred to address her in a manner he felt fitted her.
"By the lord no," he said. "I was but a child the last time I was here. My father was the one bearing the role of ambassador of our family. Now I suppose I understand how he felt- Maybe that's why he left."
"Arn- My Lord!" she put a hand to her mouth, containing a laugh.
He simply shrugged with a huff. She was caught off guard, surprised that he would joke about the matter. Which she supposed was a good thing...

"If this isn't your first time here, then do you know anyone?"
"Yes, but they've changed. Too much so for my liking." he glanced back at the group he just left.
"Ooooh." she said under her breath. "Well..." she smiled, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. "I would be delighted to be in the company of a friend."
He pursued his lips, yet a smile could be seen through his attempt to hide it.
"Although tonight I'm allowing us the comfort of staying with one another, starting tomorrow, we'll have to be able to be on our own." she whispered. "Remember why we're here, to reach out to others and make connections."
He just glanced to the side. He didn't like it, but he understood the importance of this task.

Thankfully, with the Marquis of Spades now by her side, Lady (Y/n) could finally be included in conversations.
"What a pretty ring!" a countess exclaimed, holding the lady's hand to better see it. "A bit big for your slender fingers though, isn't it?
"Haha, thank you Countess." she nodded. "That's only because my father, his father before him, and so on, had much larger hands than I."
"How odd. Has your father left this ring behind during the Great Departure?"
'Oh, is that what they call it?' she thought, not sure how to feel about this.

"Oh no, I'm afraid there is a misunderstanding." she chuckled, her eyebrows furrowed. "It was but an unfortunate coincidence that both of my parents passed away, a short time before our previous King did."
"Oh my." she covered her mouth with a sympathetic look. "My dear, I am so sorry to make you recall such memories."
"It is quite alright."
"How did they die?"
"I..." she cleared her throat. "I'm not sure. I was away when it happened." she caressed her ring, her gaze growing distant. "Surely you understand that I was much more preoccupied by the news itself than its cause."
"Of course, of course."

Arnold noticed the look on her face and gave her arm a small tug. She smiled at him, silently telling him that she was fine.
"Well I suppose that your, current situation," the countess' husband, the count, spoke. "has allowed you to become closer."
"Why yes, we have." she beamed. "I don't believe I would've ever gotten the opportunity to even meet the marquis otherwise. He is, to me, reminiscent of a little brother I've never had."
"While you, lady (L/n), have the likeness of a governess I used to have."
"Well then she must've been the most cultured and well-centered governess in all of the land. Thank you my lord."

They all laughed. This night was starting to go better than expected. Although it was at her expense. She sometimes felt like Arnold's jester more than anything, despite not even trying to be funny. That became apparent when the King of Hearts' jester came by to tell some jokes, an intention that she wasn't aware of.
"Say my Lady," he told her. "why does one say 'break a leg' to an actor?"
"Ah! I've read about this somewhere." she began to think hard. "I believe... Actors are queued to perform, if they weren't chosen for the play, they have to stay behind the 'leg line' as they call it. And so, wishing for an actor to break a leg means to wish them the opportunity to perform and get paid." she said with a smile, happy to have remembered this interesting tid bit of trivia.

There was a moment of silence. A duchess let out a small 'oh'. The royal jester burst out laughing.
"Because every play has a cast!"
"O-Oh!" she blushed.
Everyone laughed with him.
"It would seem that Lady (L/n) is knowledgeable in most subjects except for the concept of a joke!" one noble said.
"Which only makes her funnier, don't you think?"
"What a dear, she is."
She wanted to tell them to stop, each remark felt like a vicious mockery. But she kept silent, even forced out a complicit laugh.
"Oh man!" the jester exhaled. "No one has made me laugh like that in a long while!"
"Oh my! What an accomplishment!" a duchess tapped her shoulder. "Congratulations my dear."
"I suppose I shall bear that achievement with pride." she said with a faint smile, fanning herself a little bit to get rid of the redness of her cheeks.

Arnold was still snickering when the two of them left the conversation.
"Arnold please." she whispered, tugging on his arm.
"Ah. I know that one." a tear formed in the corner of his eye. "I read it somewhere."
"I beg of you. Spare me and my poor heart."
He took a deep breath and wiped his tear away.
"Oh (Y/n), I'm so grateful you're here."
"Sure, because now your laughing stoke allegations are all dumped onto me. I feel like... a small dog harboring a funny hat."
He suddenly covered his mouth, if not his laughter would've filled the room.
"Are you sure you're not also a jester?"
"Arnold!" she whispered harshly. "I'm serious!"
"I'm glad you seem to be enjoying yourselves."

The two friends froze, tensing up as they watched the King of Hearts walking over to them. His mannerism and his outfit stood out from the rest, like a red rose in a field of tulips.
"My King." (Y/n) curtsied, along with Arnold.
"Although I cannot speak for her. I can assure you that I am having a lot of fun." he smiled.
"Well I am just glad that my Lord is having a delightful evening filled with laughter." she glanced at him.
"Are you not?" the king asked her.
"I-I am, I am!" she nodded.

"Which reminds me, this afternoon, you seemed like you had something to tell me."
"Oh!" her eyes widened. "I just... It was nothing really, nothing you haven't heard before."
"Pray tell." he tilted his head, his expression unchanged. "Now I'm curious."
She avoided his eyes, though without looking away from him. His gaze made her flustered.
"I just wanted to tell you how beautiful your land and castle were. I've never been so in awe in my life."
"Aww." he chuckled. "Thank you very much, you are too kind."
With her previous interactions, she wasn't sure how to feel about such a powerful man laughing at something she said.

"Your Highness, I must thank you again on behalf of the High Council of Spades." Arnold nodded. "I know there's been some rumors of our absence but we never doubted your integrity for a moment."
"Oh I never bothered with these things." he waved a hand. "I do admit that I was uncertain as to who to address my invitation to." he paused. "I must say, since the tragic death of your king and the Great Departure, I understand that your court has been very busy sorting out the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Spades. Too much so for any external meetings to take place. So, I speak on behalf of myself and my fellow royals when I say: I do hope the Shuffling will be an opportunity for us to converse."
(Y/n) glanced at Arnold, squeezing his arm as her heart jumped from joy. She wanted to speak, but knew that he was the one the king was addressing.

"Of course your Highness." he nodded. "We shall be delighted."
"Mmh. If I may speak honestly." he leaned a bit closer. "I would like us to leave the Shuffling on good terms. I understand the tricky situation your court is in at the moment. So me and my friends want to be able to help you. In the hopes that, history doesn't repeat itself."
"...Then we share a common goal, your Highness."
"Wonderful." he smiled and leaned back. "Now, if you'll excuse me." he nodded before walking away.

The two of them watched him leave. Once he was out of sight, they looked at each-other with big eyes. (Y/n) contained a squeal, rapidly waving her hand as a way to put her excitement outward.
"I say that, after this, we can fully enjoy ourselves." she said once she's calmed down. "Verbal confirmation of shared intentions is more progress than I could have ever dreamed of."
"See? I told you, you were worrying too much. It'll only be a couple of days before I'm invited to a tea party with the Kings and Queen." Arnold puffed his chest full of pride.
She smiled. But she couldn't help glancing back at the King of Hearts.
There was a short pause in his sentence, which made her believe there was a hidden subtext in his words. When he spoke of history, was he talking about the late King? Or even of the war between them fifty-or-so years ago? Either way, if he wished for history not to repeat itself, then that must be a good thing...
A small frown formed on her face.

The next day, the members of the High Council of Spades received a few letters addressed to its individual members. Lady (Y/n) hasn't received anything however (except for a report from the council back in the Spades kingdom). Although she expected as much, she breathed out a small disappointed sigh. She didn't speak a word of her feelings on her situation and instead pried her friends to know their letters' content. They didn't mind at all and shared. They were from the people they've met at the banquet last night, some were invitations to interact further, some were simply a personal welcome to the Shuffling. The sentiment conveyed in almost all of them was one of polite welcoming with a subtle condescending tone, to which Arnold reacted by threatening to rip the letters to shreds.

"Arnold please, no need for that." (Y/n) told him, patting his back. "They're being nice."
"To hell with their niceness, if it's to look down on me when my title is higher than theirs!"
"The most you can do is not answer them, ignorance is much more powerful than hate you know?" she turned to the others. "Have you guys also sent your letters?"
"We have." Lady Catherine nodded. "To everyone you've told us."
"Have you written to anyone, Lady (Y/n)?" Gwendolyn asked.
"Only to our people at home."
"What about someone here?"
"Of course not." she shook her head with a smile. "No one here would bother to even open a letter of mine."

They wanted to disagree, for they themselves would be thrilled to receive anything from her. But they knew that, amongst the Shuffling, it was the absolute truth.
The few servants that accompanied them were brought in earlier this morning, to tell them about what they heard. It was essential to their plan that they knew what people were saying about them when no one (of importance) was watching. So they gave this special missions to their maids, a task they've accepted gladly. Despite of course their poor reputation as people of Spades, there was hope for them, for they've made a good enough first impression last night. 
Even with her ridiculing herself, no one has spoken a word about Lady (Y/n). She was simply a lady of nobility accompanying them.
"One baron believed she was the young Marquis' governess."
"How dare they?!" Arnold hit the table with his fist. "Who said that?!"
"It doesn't matter." (Y/n) said.
"Doesn't your pride hurt?!"
"My pride has no matter in this situation. If any of you guys succeeds in our mission then I'll be satisfied."

Today, there were no big events, for the King of Hearts believed that having a grand party every night wouldn't be healthy, especially if the Shuffling had a one-month period now. But he welcomed anyone who could organise a gathering of their own. There was a variety of activities available throughout the estate. And so, the High Council took this opportunity to answer to the invitations they've received. Each of them went their separate ways for the day: Lady Catherine and her fiancé went on a stroll by the gardens with another couple, with whom they shared a similar history. Lady Gwendolyn was invited to a book club once the involved parties learned that they've been reading the same book. Lastly, Lord Arnold was invited for lunch by a Duke from the Kingdom of Diamonds, an old friend of his late uncle. The young marquis hesitated to leave, he kept looking back at (Y/n) on the way out.

"Oh Arnold, I told you I can't come with you." she smiled, her eyebrows furrowed. "The invitation was for you and you only."
He just frowned and looked to the side. In that moment, she felt he was the one who was like a small dog. She chuckled and patted his hair.
"You'll do great Arnold, I know it."
"Don't do that!" he slapped her hand away. "I know I will! I'm just worrying about you doing nothing all day!"
"It's quite alright, I'm happy with that. If anything, that means I am the most free person in the Shuffling." she held up her chin with a smile. "I get to do as I please today."
She would be lying if she said she wasn't worried about leaving him alone. Arnold tended to forget his manners and duties if he was under enough pressure. But she trusted him.

And so, (Y/n) spent her day doing as she pleased. She first stayed in her quarters, studying her documents to find more information on who were the people her fellow council members were spending time with. She looked for anything that could be of any usefulness to them, if they were to interact with these people further. She's made a few additional documents she shall give out for them to study once they're back. She huffed, happy with her work. Then noticed that it was still only mid-day, there was plenty of time left. She hesitated, but her explorer spirit got the best of her. She went out to the main castle of Hearts to marvel in its beauty longer.
Each time she would see anyone, she would act as if she had somewhere to be and pressed on. Thankfully, with the beautiful weather, almost everyone was outside, so this scenario happened only a handful of times. And it wasn't like people would give her the time of day anyway. Although she wished she could not care about what people thought of her and wished to act as she felt – gesturing at whatever she would praise out loud, like she was complimenting the architecs themselves, laugh in astonishment, spin around and rush from room to room – she knew that a bad impression of hers would badly reflect on the Kingdom of Spades. She didn't want to risk that, so she kept up appearances.

Not to mention the fact that, although she hasn't encountered many people, she could feel eyes constantly on her. She'd sometimes glance behind her, but there was no one. She thought maybe she felt this way because she was in an unfamiliar place. After all, just because she was a guest, that didn't mean she could get too comfortable.
But there was a moment that made all preconstructed social facades and self-inflicted rules drop: when she heard a child crying.
"Oh please don't cry young miss lady." she heard a male voice, with a southern accent.
"That voice..."

With quick steps, she turned around the corner. In a large, empty corridor was a small girl, probably less than ten years-old, curled up against the wall, her face hidden in a handkerchief as she sobbed. Based on her dress, she was from the Kingdom of Hearts, and she was of high nobility. Crouched beside her was the panicked man from yesterday, who looked just as panicked right now.
"Excuse me."
The man gasped and looked up at her.
"The lady from yesterday..." he whispered to himself.
"What is going on?" she asked, suspicious of him. "Why is this child crying?"

"I-I'm not sure myself! I saw miss lady crying and I gave her my handkerchief and I've been asking her what's wrong but..."
With a small frown, (Y/n) walked up to them and kneeled beside the girl, making the man move away. Her expression became softer when the child glanced at her. Glassy yellow eyes peeking through bangs of red hair.
"Hello there." she smile. "Whatever is happening, I'm sure it must be pretty bad. But you shouldn't bear your burdens alone, sharing it with others will make you feel lighter you know?"
The girl sniffed, some snot staying on her face.
"Oww. May I?"

(Y/n) took the handkerchief from her and gently wiped her face.
"There. Now you look as beautiful as a princess." she booped her nose. "What's your name? I'm Lady (Y/n) (L/n)."
"A-And I'm Eddie Dear!" the man, Eddie, exclaimed. "It's nice to meet you Lady (L/n)!" he quickly bowed his head to her.
She returned the gesture with a chuckle. His name did ring a bell, but she didn't remember writing about him in her files... The young girl sniffed again.
"I'm Molly." she said in a tired voice.
"What a pretty name you have Miss Molly!" Eddie smiled. "A pretty name for a pretty lady."
"What's troubling you Miss Molly? We promise we won't tell anyone." she quickly put a hand over her heart and raised her other one.
Eddie did the same gesture, which made her smile. Molly looked down, her eyes teary again.

"My father will hate me."
"What? Why would he hate you?"
"He told me to look after Clarabelle while he was gone, but I lost her."
"Who's Clarabelle?" Eddie asked.
"Father's pet duck."
"And who is your father?" (Y/n) asked.
"...The Duke."
The two acquaintances glanced at each-other. The Duke of Hearts, this was a big deal.

"Well, we just have to find her then." (Y/n) smiled.
"Really? You'd do that for me?"
She shook her head with a hum.
"No, you have to do it. But we'll gladly help you, won't we Mr. Dear?" she looked at him.
"Why yes!" he stood up, puffing his chest and flexing his arms. "With my height and my strength, I could carry you up in case Miss Clarabelle is up on a tree branch!"
"And with my keen eye," she added. "I'll find her even in the darkest corners of the castle. With our powers combined, you shall bring Clarabelle back to her chambers before your father the Duke even hears of what has happened. What do you say Miss Molly?"
The child rubbed her eyes and stood up.
"Okay."

(Y/n) smiled and offered her hand. She took it.
"Then let us go miladies! Our mission awaits!"
"But let's be discreet about this, please Mr. Dear. This is a secret mission."
"Ah. Y-You're right. Let us go, secretively."
Her and Molly chuckled. (Y/n) told them to "combine their brains together" and asked Molly to retrace her steps, starting after her father put her in charge of Clarabelle.
"Well, I dressed her up and then took her out to show her off."
They retraced her steps, going the exact same way she did earlier that day.

"I saw the King and said hi. Hello King." she bowed to an invisible person.
"Your Highness." (Y/n) bowed too.
"Lovely day we're having." Eddie did the same.
This made the young girl laugh, though she covered her mouth.
"We talked for a bit, and when he left, Clarabelle had gone too."
The three of them looked around.

"Could she have followed the king?" Eddie suggested, scratching his head. "Maybe he saw her leave, if we could just talk to him-"
"Talk to the King?!" (Y/n) exclaimed, getting flustered at the mere idea.
"Noooo," Molly whined, tugging on the man's jacket. "then he'll know she's missing!"
"But if he saw her..." he sighed. "You're right Miss Molly. If only she'd left us some kinda clue..."
"Something like this perhaps." (Y/n) took a few steps before crouching down.
Her two companions for the day joined her and leaned over to look. She picked up something very small.
"Bread crumbs." she said.
"My my, you really do have a keen eye, my Lady!" Eddie exclaimed. "Yes, now that you mention it and now that I look closely, there's a whole entire trail of 'em!"

The trio looked from one direction of the trail to the other. One led to outside, the other further into the castle.
"Miss Molly, do you happen to know where this leads?" she pointed to the latter direction.
"Uh... The kitchens probably." the young girl then realized something with a loud singular 'Ah!' which startled her two assistants. "The servants leave to feed the birds every morning!"
"Miss Molly you are one smart cookie!" Eddie ruffled her hair.
"That's our lead, great job!" (Y/n) added, patting her shoulder.
Molly giggled. The three of them quickly stood up.

"But remember." (Y/n) told them as they made their way outside. "No one knows of our mission, we must be swift like the wind, and invisible...also like the wind."
"Be the wind." Eddie said in a grave voice, nodding slowly.
"Be the wind." Molly repeated in the same manner.
(Y/n) contained a laugh at how cute these two were. Then she remembered something. She stopped in the doorway. Her two companions looked at her, confused.
"Miss Molly, I must tell you right now before we step out. I must tell the both of you." she faced them. "I'm not exactly the most popular guest here at the Shuffling. I'm from the Kingdom of Spades, you see. If you couldn't tell..." she looked down at her outfit, harboring the colors of her kingdom, although in a lighter shade. "Being seen with me could have a...certain impact on your own reputation."
The mention of her kingdom did make their eyes bigger.

"I apologize for not telling you right away," she bowed her head. "I didn't want to scare you. Now that you have your lead, I can be at ease and let you two go on without me."
"Lady (L/n), don't be silly." Eddie smiled. "We started this together, therefore we must rescue Clarabelle together."
"Yeah!" Molly nodded. "What if she's... hiding in a dark corner outside?"
(Y/n) felt her heart squeeze. She smiled, her cheeks dusted with pink.
"Then let's become the wind."
Their faces lit up.

The three of them went to the direction of the chicken coops. On the way there, they passed by numerous groups of people of various titles, and Mr. Dear would hide Molly behind his large back whenever that happened. Sometimes, people would try and talk to him – which made (Y/n) even more curious about who that man was – but he would come up with an excuse to quickly leave every time, with (Y/n)'s help, since he didn't seem to be much of a liar. Good to know.
"That's weird." she told him at some point. "I was scared people would believe we were courting each-other, but no one even hinting at the idea. Which, don't get me wrong, I'm relieved about! But it is strange..."
"I understand." he smiled. "The reason is quite simple: it is well known that I prefer men."
"Ooooh I see. Well that's one less thing to worry about then." she smiled.

The way to the chicken coops went smoothly, only once was there a moment of panic.
"Oh my gosh!" (Y/n) held Eddie's arm when she noticed that certain someone in the distance. "The King of Diamonds!"
Eddie gasped and quickly hid behind a tree, the two ladies followed, but peeked to see him.
"Did he see us?" Eddie asked, not daring to look.
"No, he's looking at flowers."
"He's looking for insects." Molly said.
"Insects?"
"His Majesty considers himself an entomologist." Eddie explained. "His bug collection is the biggest in all of the land. He's a very passionate and dedicated man- Or so I heard!"
"Uh-hu..." she took notice of how nervous he looked. "Would you like us to avoid him, Mr. Dear?"
"I-I mean... We mustn't be seen by anyone, right?" he intertwined his fingers together, his eyes darting around.
She smiled.

"Then let's go this way instead."
He sighed, looking relieved.
"Have you ever met him before?" she tilted her head.
"Um... A couple of times..." he looked down, still twiddling his thumbs. "When I was selling my wares to the castle."
"Selling wares?"
"I'm a travelling merchant you see-"
She gasped.
"It's you!" she pointed with a big smile. "Eddie Dear, the Dear Merchant! It's an honor sir!" she bowed her head."
"Oh please! Just Eddie or Mr. Dear is fine! Y-you know me?" he pointed at himself, flustered.

"Who hasn't heard of the best merchant in the land?! Especially the legend: the merchant travelling the world, able to bring back anything you ask for."
"Not everything." he chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "I just like to travel a lot and bring back souvenirs. Just so happen that some people just want the souvenirs. I get to share pretty items and make a livin' doin' what I love."
"So you've sold things to royalty as well?" she leaned a bit closer with interest.
"Y-yes! The King of Diamond sometimes asks me to bring back any interesting-lookin' bugs I find during my travels."
"Ah, so that's how you know he's an entomologist enthusiast."
"Oh nah, I knew that already- I mean! E-everyone in the kingdom knows that!" he waved a hand and looked away, his cheeks redder.
(Y/n) smiled at his reaction.

"But if you've met, why are you scared of him?" Molly asked.
"Scared?"
"You don't have to be, he's very nice."
"I- There's no doubt in my mind about that!"
"I can understand." (Y/n) nodded. "Talking to a king can be very intimidating."
"R-Right! Exactly!"

Not wanting the ladies to get dirty, once they got to their destination, Eddie went into the coops and looked around by himself. Thankfully, the chicken's caretakers had already left the scene when they arrived.
"Unless your duck looks very much like a chicken, I can't see her anywhere Miss Molly." he said once he came back. "I apologize."
"That's okay." (Y/n) said. "The chickens can't be the only animals that are fed bread crumbs around here."
"We have the wild swans!" Molly pointed to a direction. "They feed them so that they stay around."
"To the swans!" he pointed.
"We gotta hurry, father will be back soon!"
"Roger that!" Eddie picked up Molly and put her on his shoulders.
The young duchess giggled, which made the two adults smile and they hurried to the direction of the river. They were so busy having fun, they didn't notice that they've passed by the King of Diamonds once again, and this time, he heard their laughter and saw their smiles.

"From your height, can you see her?" (Y/n) asked.
Still on Mr. Dear's shoulders, Molly straightened her back to gain as much centimetres as possible as she looked around with a long hum, a hand shielding her eyes from the Sun.
"I see some ducks, but none of them are he-"
"Eeeee!"
Her and Eddie flinched and turned over to see that Lady (Y/n), who just made a sound they didn't expect her to make, was being approached by a swan.

"Easy there, my Lady." he said. "These guys are the territorial kind, any sudden movement could agitate it."
"H-hello sir, ma'am?" she curtsied, slowly stepping back. "I'm more accustomed to badgers, foxes and crows. I didn't expect swans to be this big."
The bird quacked, making her flinch.
"We must be near its nest." Eddie suggested. "We should move to another spot then."
"Agreed, very much agree-Eeeeee!"
The swan suddenly rushed up to her and she ran towards Mr. Dear for safety, but with Miss Molly on his shoulder, he would've ran away too, if not for that someone coming to the rescue.

A singular quack made the swan stop. Everyone looked over to see a yellow and green runner duck waddling over to them. With its little hat and matching silk scarf, they knew exactly who that was. The first thing (Y/n) thought of was a very thin lemon.
"Clarabelle!" Molly exclaimed.
The swan went up to the duck, and the three companions started to panic, but the swan didn't attack her, instead it rubbed its beak on the side of her head, and she returned the gesture. (Y/n) gasped.
"Was the swan trying to protect her?"
"An affair with a wild swan..." Eddie said under his breath. "Well I'll be damned."
"Clarabeeeeelle!" Molly shook his head.
The duck noticed the girl and suddenly rushed up to her, quacking all the way there and flapping its tiny wings. Eddie – his hair now messed up – put the girl down and she also rushed to pick up her pet and give her a hug. Clarabelle rested her head on her shoulder, so if she could've, she would've hugged her back. This sight made (Y/n) let out an 'awww', with a hand over her heart.

"I hope you've been treating her well." Molly faced the duck's lover. "If you have, then I'll allow this to continue. But if any harm to Clarabelle comes from it, I'll tell my father right away and you will be cooked!"
Although the swan was unfazed by this warning, it made both (Y/n) and Eddie gulp. One quack from Clarabelle made the swan leave. With a sigh of relief, the two adults went up to the child.
"That was incredible Miss Molly!" (Y/n) said.
"You've caught Clarabelle!" Eddie clenched a fist in victory.
"...Thank you." she faced them but looked down. "I would've given up if it weren't for you. Today was really fun."
They smiled.
"It was a ton of fun for sure, I really didn't expect my day to go like this." (Y/n) said.
"As did I!" Eddie pointed at himself. "I'm glad to have made your acquaintances miladies." he bowed his head.
They returned the gesture.

"We must go back now, and quickly. Will the addition of miss Clarabelle be too much for you Mr. Dear?"
"Hahaha! You're teasing me, my lady!" he picked up Molly bridal style, while she was still holding her pet duck. "It only means that I'll have to hold her like this. Now let's go!"
But their mission wasn't over yet. Clarabelle needed a wash if one wasn't to suspect she's been out and about in the wilderness. Lady (Y/n) appointed herself in charge of this mission. They went to Molly's family's quarters, making sure no one would see them, and went to the large, pink and pastel red bathrooms.
"I've never washed a duck before, it can't be that different." she said to herself as she rolled up her sleeves and put on an apron.
"Let me know if there's anything I can do to help." Eddie said.
"S-Same!" Molly nodded, still holding the duck.
"You're both very kind, but I think I can handle it by myself. You two can go back to..." her voice trailed off, like the question just dawned on her. "Didn't you two have anything planned today? I hope you didn't miss any meetings or..."
They looked at each-other, then back at her.

"I did..." Eddie bashfully scratched the back of his head. "I was actually on my way to catch up with some friends when I came across Miss Molly. I'll make sure to apologize to them when I see them."
"Oh, I'm sorry you missed it."
"No worries at all, milady." he shook his head, waving his hands. "There will be plenty of opportunities for me later this month. Now what about you Miss Molly?"
"I prefer playing with Clarabelle." she said. "I didn't like any of the letters I had today."
"But you did receive letters?" (Y/n) asked as she filled a tub with water.
"A bunch." she nodded, her and Eddie sitting on a small bench in a corner.
"What was wrong with 'em then?" he asked.
"I don't know these people." she huffed. "They don't sound fun."
"I see..." she checked the temperature. "May I have miss Clarabelle please?"
Molly hopped down from her seat and gave the duck to her. After taking off her accessories and putting her in the water, (Y/n) fully expected her dress and hair to be ruined, despite her precaution. But Clarabelle was very calm and tranquil, only sometimes flapping her wings and splashing some water on her.

"What about you Lady (Y/n)?" Eddie asked. "Were you going anywhere before you found us?"
"No. I didn't get any letters."
"None?!" her two companions exclaimed, surprised that such a thing was possible.
"How come?" Eddie asked.
She paused and looked back at them, smiling at their confusion.
"In the high society we live in, one can never reach up. You can only reach down or besides you." she said. "And I simply have no one to reach for."
"But you are a noble, aren't you?"
"Yes, however, I am but a Lady. I'm not even a baroness." she chuckled, turning back to her task. "And, again, I'm from the Kingdom of Spades."
Eddie and Molly looked at each-other, their eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh my." she looked to the side at the soap rack. "Um... Miss Molly, which soap should I chose?"
"I don't know." she walked up to it to look closely. "The strawberry one!"
"What about that green one?" Eddie followed and pointed. "The color's so pretty."
"Both then!"
(Y/n) gasped.
"Miss Molly, you are a visionary."
She giggled.

After Clarabelle was all clean and dry. Molly placed her in her chambers then escorted her two assistants back in the castle's corridors. When they gave her their farewell, she frowned, looking down and clenching her dress.
"Is something wrong, Miss Molly?"
She hugged (Y/n) tightly. The woman was too surprised to properly react. Then the young duchess went back in her quarters and closed the door behind her. The two adults looked at each-other, then laughed.
"What a sweetheart she is." she said as they walked together. "I do hope her father is kind to her."
"He must be, I'm sure. Who could be harsh to such a cute lil tomato?"
She chuckled at his choice of comparison.
"But did you hear what she said? She was so afraid and quick to think that he'd hate her."
"Well I suppose having a Duke as a father must bring a lot of pressure."
"...I know someone like that." she whispered before saying. "Well I do hope she was just overthinking."
"And so do I, of course."

Finally, they've come back to where they met.
"Lady (L/n), before we go our separate ways." he faced her, hesitating a little bit. "I know of everything you said, and of the Spades' reputation. A bunch of nasty stereotypes if you ask me. But I can assure you, that if I had any prejudice before, meeting you today would have thrown away all those preconceived notions, replacing them with the pleasant memories I've made in the last few hours. And I'm certain it is also the case for young Miss Molly. It may not be much coming from me, but I would be honored to write to you in the morning."
(Y/n)'s eyes grew glassy hearing such genuine words as she unconsciously placed a hand over her heart. She smiled.
"I shall eagerly await for your letter then, Mr. Dear." she curtsied. "Until we meet again."
He curtsied back, and the two of them parted.

[Not a lotta Wally content huh? Don't worry, I'll make up for it next chapter 😌]